New challenges in anostracan research: old issues, new perspectives and hot topics

Abstract

We present a summary of responses to our call among scientists working on Anostraca to commemorate the late Professor Graziella Mura, a pioneer of modern studies on this group of animals. Colleagues from all over the world promptly answered and contributed their works among which we selected the fourteen papers published in the Hydrobiologia Special Volume “New Challenges in anostracan research: a tribute to Graziella Mura”. Although Anostraca are widespread globally, they are among the least known taxonomic groups. Although some biogeographical data are available for some species and higher taxa, we are still far from a clear understanding of the phylogeny, ecology and biogeography of the order. The papers collected in this Special Volume are therefore intended to represent a step ahead to solve phylogenetic and ecological issues relative to this charming group of crustaceans.